Child and Infant Safety - Buckle up for life, Wyoming

Child Passenger Safety Laws

Requirements

Children under the age of 9 must be properly secured in a federally approved child-safety restraint system (car seat or booster) in the back seat of the vehicle.

Enforcement

Unlike adults, law enforcement can pull you over if they observe an improperly secured child in the vehicle.

Essential Information

Child Passenger Safety Laws

Apply to children under the age of 9
Apply to all drivers
Apply to all private passenger vehicles
Apply to residents and non-residents
Are a primary offense

Children Must

Be properly secured in a vehicle seat other than front seat
Be properly secured in restraint
Be properly installed in the vehicle according to manufacturer’s instructions

Penalties

Maximum $60.00 fine for first offense
Maximum $110.00 fine for second and subsequent offenses
A separate ticket and fine can be issued for each child who is not properly secured in the vehicle

Learn more from SafeKids

Proper Child Safety Seat Use

Children aged 12 and under in the back seat

Weight

Infants: birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 lb
Young children (aged 1–4): Over 20 lb to about 40 lb and over 1 year
Youth: Over 40 lb and up to about 80 lb or more

Type of Seat

Infants: infant-only or rear-facing convertible
Young children (aged 1–4): forward-facing with harness, convertible
Youth: belt positioning booster seat

Seat Position

Infants: rear-facing only
Young children (aged 1–4) AND youth: forward-facing

Key Notes

Infants: Always be sure children under 1 year old and under 20 lb are in rear-facing seats but longer if seats allow for heavier weight
Young children (aged 1–4): Harness straps should be at or above shoulders
Youth: belt-positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt

Warnings

Infants: Do not place infants in the front seat of vehicles
Young children (aged 1–4): All children ages 12 and under should ride in the back seat
Youth: Be sure lap belt fits low and tight